Pubs in Melbourne

Melburnians live for their pubs. Many will have a special local where they go for a counter meal throughout the week or perhaps an obligatory roast on Sunday afternoons. Some enjoy live music or perhaps a game of pool. Most of the best pubs in town are found in the northern suburbs of Fitzroy, Fitzroy North and Collingwood, though there are a few good ones in the south if that's where you are staying.

The Napier and Rose hotels are quintessential backstreet pubs. They both offer great value for money food (the portions are huge) and there is no better place to watch the football on TV with the locals. The Napier and the nearby Rainbow hotel also have an incredibly good beer list.

The Fox Hotel has a great rooftop deck, tasty food and an impressive beer list, while the Standard Hotel has arguably Melbourne's best beer garden. The beer garden and casual vibe of the Great Britain is also very worthy of a visit, especially to taste their own beer called piss, or their light beer called piss weak.

The Tote, Esplanade, John Curtin and Empress Hotel are the best places in town to see live music, with the first two gaining iconic status for showcasing rock. The Empress features quitter shows such as folk and is known for their open microphone nights.

Napier Hotel

expert pick

210 Napier St

Backstreet pub known for its huge portions of food and easy going atmosphere. One of Fitzroy's most historic and well loved pubs...
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Rose Hotel

expert pick

406 Napier Street

Great pub to watch AFL Football...
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The Fox Hotel

expert pick

351 Wellington Street

A great local, with an impressive beer list and awesome rooftop deck looking towards the city...
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Standard Hotel

expert pick

293 Fitzroy St

Fantastic backstreet pub that is full of surprises...
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The Great Britain Hotel

447 Church Street

Great local watering hole that is more bohemian in nature than the more upmarket pubs nearby...
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Tote (The)

expert pick

71 Johnston Street
Corner of Johnston and Wellington Streets

Great live music venue...
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Esplanade Hotel (The)

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expert pick

11 Upper Esplanade

A Melbourne institution...
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The Rainbow Hotel

expert pick

27 St David Street

Great music, beer garden and beer list make this an ideal choice...
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Empress Hotel (The)

714 Nicholson Street
Fitzroy North

Great Local Pub...
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John Curtin Hotel

29 Lygon Street

Great band room and cheap food...
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